Author Archive
I realize that most of our blog’s readers are Norwegian, but for those few who care, this is my take on some of the flaws of the American governmental system.
To me, it is obvious that the political system in Washington D.C. is a broken one which promotes greed and personal interests. The politicians we send there are focused mostly on reelection and sticking with the party.
Our “representatives” have lost touch with their constituents and themselves. It seems that nobody in Congress or the Senate can think with their own minds or have their own opinions. The health care reform debacle is just one example of how most politicians are guilty of distancing the two major political parties as much as possible and therefore widening the gaps between us Americans. While it does not surprise me, it does always amaze me how Congressmen and Senators alike will make complete asses out of themselves in order to “stick together.”
Of course, the media does sensationalize every little thing to make us feel like some issues are more important than they really are. I have trouble trusting media, save public radio and television, because they all have plenty of motivation (i.e. being owned by big business) to have hidden 
agendas. Similar to the politicians themselves, news media has lost touch with its purpose; to sort through the wasteland that is politics and inform the people about issues they need to be involved in. Being a young person, I can say that most of my generation doesn’t even watch or read the news anymore. I don’t blame them, for it does seem pointless at times. The lack of involvement that is stemming from this is fairly dangerous to the future of American citizenship.
What we, the American people, could truly benefit from is having more
independent thinkers in Washington. Dare I say people who are rational and maybe, just maybe, have a set of moral standards that can’t be deterred by ny persuading or bribing? I’m not saying they all have to live up to any one set of moral standards, such as Christian moral standards, what I am saying is that we need honest-to-goodness people working for the betterment of our nation and its citizens. To think of politicians with some semblance of genuineness is almost laughable, but I truly do hope our nation’s government will, at some point, take a turn for the better.
Hope this incredibly disturbing picture gives you a laugh:
Good Day!
Elaine
(Disclaimer: By no means am I a Dylan expert. I have not heard everything he ever recorded nor have I read every lyric he ever penned. What I have heard and read, however, inspires and amazes me.)
Bob Dylan is an undoubtedly gifted artist. From his start in the 60’s up until present day, he has been one of the most influential figures in the last century, possibly ever. What makes Dylan so special, in my opinion, is not his sheer talent, but is indeed the way he uses it for a greater cause. A self-proclaimed “social commentator” as opposed to a political activist, his songs reflect whatever it is he sees as reality and brings awareness to issues the world would have otherwise ignored. One of his most famous songs- “Blowin’ in the Wind” became an anthem for the American Civil Rights movement. The lyrics easily lend themselves to any worthwhile cause:
Yes, how many years can a mountain exist
Before it’s washed to the sea ?
Yes, how many years can some people exist
Before they’re allowed to be free ?
Yes, how many times can a man turn his head
Pretending he just doesn’t see ?
The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.
Some people think Dylan is overrated. I disagree! I think he is quite underrated. We should be studying this man in school. He is a master of all things poetic and played a large role in the shaping of this nation. Some of you reading this may think that’s a bit too much importance to be placing upon an artist, but what many people don’t realize is how very important art is. In this particular case, Dylan’s words and melodies took a snapshot of history and preserved it for the generations to come. You know what they say, “If we don’t learn from our mistakes, we’re doomed to repeat them.” Well Bobby gave us the tools to look back in time and remember what it was we got wrong and how we progressed as a people. Unfortunately, my generation has yet to produce Bob Dylan’s equal, that is why I so vehemently suggest we hold on to his timeless words for dear life!
The greatest gift his music and words have given us is the ability to apply our own analysis and get whatever profundity we need out of them. His songs are timeless and should never, ever, be forgotten.
And it’s all over now, baby blue.
Elaine
It cannot be denied that Jamaica is the most naturally beautiful place I’ve ever seen with my own two eyes (as opposed to someone else’s own two eyes). The colors are so vivid; bright blue water, intensely green tropical forest, pink, purple, bright yellow flowers- it’s absolutely picturesque.
Yet, when I looked a bit closer, I saw shacks tucked neatly between the palm trees- shacks with holes for windows cut in the shambles of material representing walls. I thought to myself, “Huh, I wonder what those are? Must be old ruins from long ago…nobody could possibly live in those.” However, people do live in those. Many many people live in those four walls, more or less, of poverty totally unrelatable to someone like myself, a member of industrialized Western Civilization.
And so comes the biggest beef I have with Jamaica…
I never experienced the real Jamaica. Here comes little Ms. American, easily suckered into believing the mental attitude of Jamaica is to relax and not to “worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright.” No, every little thing is not alright. And here I am, taking a luxurious vacation to this romantic, exotic island which in reality is a poor nation largely divided by old racial injustices and social class. In retrospect I feel borderline disgusted with myself.
Needless to say, I was not terribly impressed with Jamaica. The land is beautiful, the people are beautiful, but my experience did not feel genuine. Of course, the explosive diarrhea and vomiting as a result of the terrible resort food/water did nothing for my good opinion. I do not want to sound ungrateful or change anyone’s views on this country, the point of this blog is simply to document my opinions after traveling to this island. If I ever go back, I do not want to be catered to as the middle-class foreign folk looking for a relaxing, albeit hypocritical getaway. I want to get to know the real Jamaica.
Until next time, adieu adieu to you and you and you!
Elaine
Do you ever have one of those days where everything reminds you of a random song lyric? Today is one of those days for me. Instead of posting them randomly on Facebook, Twitter, etc. I have decided to condense them into a blog.
“I’m half alive, but I feel mostly dead.” <– Describes how I’m feeling.
“When people run in circles it’s a very, very mad world.” <– There’s an idiot in my house right now.
“It’s the remix to ignition, hot and fresh out the kitchen. Mama rollin’ that body got every man in here wishin’. Sippin’ on coke and rum, I’m like so what I’m drunk? It’s the freakin’ weekend baby I’m about to have me some fun. Bounce bounce bounce bounce bounce bounce bounce! Bounce bounce bounce…” <– No explanation needed. This song is simply badass.
I hope you enjoyed this blog. Look for my upcoming “Jamaica: A Review” blog soon.
Peace.
[poll id=”10″]
Hello. My name is Elaine and I’m a Unicornaholic.
That’s right, I love Unicorns. Some of you reading this already know of my special relationship with Unicorns, but most of you probably don’t. Seeing as this blog is still in its preliminary phase, I think it a good idea to introduce to you my love of these horned beasts.
But first, let us start with a poll…
[poll id=”6″]
Now why, you are asking, do I like Unicorns so much? The answer is: I don’t know. In general, I feel a special connection to all mythical creatures such as Yeti, Chupacabra, Wendigo, etc. What makes the Unicorn special? Perhaps it is the spiral horn, the flowing mane, or perhaps I ate too many paint chips as a child. Whatever the reason, I think they are amazing.
The story goes that once upon a time, Unicorns roamed the Earth freely. Their horns could be used to dispel any evil, be it an illness or a disease in the water. Once humans came around and realized the potential of their magical horns, they hunted them to extinction. Why, oh why, would they do such a thing?! Because they hated all things good and magical in this world…
I found this wondrous tattoo on google images:
For whoever has or is going to have this…I will marry you!
And now, let’s finish up with another poll…
[poll id=”7″]